Showcase your musical talent by composing an original soundtrack in any style for an imaginary game in the VGDO Music Jam!

(This Jam's rating and ranking is exclusive for only University of Texas at Arlington students)

DETAILS 

Submit an original soundtrack (OST) based on the theme. Your submission can consist of multiple tracks, provided they are all interconnected and feel like they belong in the same imaginary game. The tracks should work cohesively together, ensuring they aren't far-off from one another.

You can compose in any genre or style you want: 8-bit, orchestration, electronic, ambient, etc. It can even have vocals/lyrics. There’s no strict "musical theme" to follow, so let your creativity flourish and diversify your compositions.

Submission Requirements:

• Only one submission per person, but features are allowed (other submitters can contribute as a feature, but the track will count as the main submitter’s).
  • Include (feat. XXX) on tracks that include a feature.
• You can submit as many tracks as you'd like, as long as they are interconnected and fit within the context of the same imaginary game.
  • The total length of all of your track(s) combined must be at least 30 seconds. 

• Each track must be original and created specifically for this jam.
• You must submit the original recording in either .mp3, .wav or .flac on itch.io, AND on Soundcloud (optional if you want your artist page to be credited on our MUSIC JAM 2024 Playlist in Soundcloud). 
  • Make sure you link your track(s) from Soundcloud when submitting.
• Along with your submission, include a brief description explaining how your soundtrack reflects the theme and the type of game you envision it being a part of.
• Optionally, you can provide progress clips, concept ideas, or drafts to showcase your creative process.
• All submissions must be your own work and free of any copyrighted material. NO AI USAGE ALLOWED.

Post-Jam Recommendation: It is recommended that you post your work on SoundCloud (or YouTube) after the jam, as we plan on creating a playlist of all the submissions! Feel free to use the tag #VGDOMusicJam on your tracks.

THEME

"Drifting Away"

(Choose either the text theme or the picture theme, or both!)

Note: The theme is more of an inspiration to guide your creativity. Remember, there are no strict musical theme for you to follow. You can compose in any genre you want, so the submissions can be as diverse as possible.

Submitting Your Soundtrack to the VGDO Music Jam

Follow this step-by-step guide to create, upload, and submit your track(s) on itch.io.

1. Go to Your Dashboard: (Make sure you are signed up and logged in to itch.io.)
2. Create a New Project: Click on Create new project.
3. Enter the Title: Put the title of your soundtrack in the title field. (There’s no need to add “Music Jam” or any additional phrases here!)
   1. Example: VGDO - Drifting Away
4. Select the Classification: Choose the appropriate classification for your project (in this case, choose "Soundtrack").
5. Upload Your Cover Image (optional but recommended):
   • Upload your cover image file in .png, .jpeg, .pdf, or 3D formats like .obj, .fbx, or .blend.
6. Use the Add Screenshots button to include any relevant progress shots or videos.
7. Scroll down, upload your soundtracks using the "Upload Files" button.
   1. .mp3, .wav and .flac is the preferred format. Please also provide a zipped file of all your tracks if you have a lot of them, it's easier for people to download and listen to!
      
   2. Please also name your files properly! Like your project name, the filename should contain both your username/name and the name of the track. (Example: Kenny - If Vincent Helped (feat. Vincent) ).
8. Add a Description: 
   1. Write a brief description of your soundtrack, explaining how it relates to the theme and any inspirations behind it.
   2. Provide link(s) to your track(s) on Soundcloud to allow easy access to listen.
9. Set Visibility: Scroll down and click Save & view page to ensure everything looks correct. Then, go back to the "Edit project" page and set Visibility & access to "Public." Click Save.
10. Submit Your Project: Go back to the jam page, click Submit your project, select the correct project, and fill in the required details! (Remember, the submission page does not save your inputs until you click submit, so don’t close the page until you’re done!)
11. Take Your Time: This process may take some time, so allow yourself plenty of time to complete your submission. Don’t leave it until the last minute! If you encounter any issues uploading or submitting on itch.io, feel free ask in our Discord server.

RATING

The rating period will last for a day after the jam ends and is open to everyone, including participants. Your track(s) will be judged on the following criteria:

• Impression: Does the music catch the listener’s attention, or does it feel repetitive or boring?
• Originality: Does the submission bring something new and unique? Did the composer try to innovate or push boundaries?
• Composition: How well-written is the music? Does it have cohesive leitmotifs, pacing, and catchiness?
• Production Quality: How well-produced are the track(s)? Are the mixing, mastering, and sound design appropriate for the genre and intended effect?
• Theme Adherence: How well does the track(s) reflect or interpret the theme?

Files will be locked during the voting period, but feel free to continue working on or finishing your soundtrack after the jam ends

After the rating period, the winners of the VGDO Music Jam will be announced during the VGDO general body meeting on October 25th. We will reveal the First, Second, and Third place winners, celebrating the best track(s) of the theme.

VGDO website